Category Archives: HEALDSBURG, Calif.

Adonna Wines Makes Its California Debut This Spring, Celebrating Heritage, Resilience, and the Art of the Moment

Japanese American biochemist-turned-vintner Donna Kato opens her spring allotment on March 20 - the first day of spring with a vision rooted in the Japanese philosophy of Ichigo Ichie

HEALDSBURG, Calif., March 20, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — On March 20, the first day of spring, Adonna Wines officially opens its spring allotment to the California market. Founded by Donna Kato, a Japanese American biochemist who left the world of science to tend the land and make wine of uncommon elegance, Adonna Wines is an allotment-only label available exclusively to mailing list members. The spring release includes the 2023 Pinot Noir, the 2024 White Pinot Noir, and the 2024 Chardonnay — each a reflection of a vineyard, and a founder, devoted to beauty, intention, and the irreplaceable nature of each moment.

Donna Kato, Proprietor Adonna Wines in the Canfield Vineyard, Russian River Valley, CA
Photo caption: Donna Kato, Proprietor Adonna Wines in the Canfield Vineyard, Russian River Valley, CA.

A SPRING RELEASE ROOTED IN MEANING

The timing of Adonna’s spring launch is no coincidence. March 20 carries resonance for Donna Kato both as the vernal equinox — a season of awakening and renewal — and as an echo of the Japanese tradition of hanami, the centuries-old custom of gathering beneath cherry blossoms as they bloom and fall, transient and luminous. At the heart of Adonna’s philosophy is the Japanese concept of Ichigo Ichie— “one time, one meeting” — a reminder that every shared moment is singular and will not come again, embedded in the wines, the label, and the way Donna approaches her craft.

“I wanted the wines to carry that feeling,” says Kato. “That a glass poured with the people you love is something that can never be exactly replicated.”

FROM BIOCHEMIST TO VINTNER: LIVING THE DREAM

Donna Kato’s path to wine was not a straight line — it was a life deliberately reimagined. A trained biochemist, Kato brought her analytical rigor, her reverence for nature, and a family legacy of farming — rooted in a great-grandfather who farmed peaches— to bear on one of California’s most treasured wine regions: the Russian River Valley. Her experience with breast cancer deepened her commitment to living with presence and purpose — the founding of Adonna Wines is, in every sense, the embodiment of that resolve. Kato holds a master’s degree in Viticulture & Enology from UC Davis, bringing scientific rigor alongside personal conviction to every vintage.

In December 2025, Forbes featured Kato in a profile by Chelsea Davis titled “From Heritage to Harvest: Japanese American Winemaker Donna Kato Debuts Adonna Wines.” The April 2026 issue of The Tasting Panel Magazine will profile Kato in a feature called “Women Who Raise the Bar in Wine,” in which Publisher Meridith May awards the 2023 Adonna Pinot Noir a score of 95 points. Kato also earned a Silver Medal at the prestigious San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition in March 2026 for its 2023 Russian River Pinot Noir.

CANFIELD VINEYARD: REGENERATIVE FARMING IN THE RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

The backbone of Adonna Wines is Canfield Vineyard, a five-clone, 100% Pinot Noir estate in the southern reaches of the Russian River Valley, influenced by the Petaluma Gap and the Pacific Ocean — one of the coolest and most distinctive sites in the appellation. Originally planted in 2009 under the stewardship of Judy Jordan of J Vineyards, the vines now belong to Donna Kato, who is grafting two acres to Chardonnay this year as her vineyard program evolves.

Upon acquiring the vineyard, Donna began a comprehensive restoration program grounded in regenerative farming principles — an effort that has become central to Adonna’s identity. The vineyard is Certified California Sustainable through the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance.

At Canfield, 40 Navajo sheep graze the cover crop under the watch of vineyard manager Cody Garzini and a Maremma sheepdog named Honey, who keeps a devoted daily vigil over the flock. The wines from Canfield are crafted by talented winemaker Ashley Holland, who trained under the legendary Bob Cabral at Three Sticks Wines. Adonna also sources Pinot Noir from Eden Vineyard and Chardonnay from the esteemed Martaella Vineyard.

THE WINES

The spring 2026 allotment features three wines, available March 20 – May 1:

2023 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley | $85 | 95 Points, Tasting Panel Magazine

2024 White Pinot Noir, Canfield Vineyard, Russian River Valley | $65

2024 Chardonnay, Martaella Vineyard, Russian River Valley | $85

Members of the Allotment List may purchase up to six bottles total — two of each wine with a spring and fall offering. Wines are available exclusively in California, with expansion to other markets planned. In fall 2026, Adonna will release the first Estate Pinot Noir from Canfield Vineyard. To join the allotment list, visit adonnawines.com.

A COMMITMENT TO THE ARTS, CULINARY EXCELLENCE, AND COMMUNITY

From the outset, Adonna Wines has expressed itself through cultural engagement as much as viticulture. Kato collaborated with celebrated Japanese calligraphy and performance artist Aoi Yamaguchi, whose work — described by the New York Times as “transcendent” — animates the brand’s visual language. On March 20, Adonna serves as a Sponsor of the Fork2Film Festival in St.Helena, a fitting celebration as the spring allotment opens. Adonna has also supported the San Francisco Symphony’s Lunar New Year Concert (February 28) and the James Beard Foundation Taste America Bay Area event (March 1) — underscoring Kato’s commitment to excellence in both the culinary and cultural worlds.

ABOUT ADONNA WINES

Adonna Wines is a small-production, allotment-only label founded by Donna Kato, a Japanese American biochemist-turned-vintner. Rooted in the Certified Sustainable Canfield Vineyard in the Russian River Valley, Adonna produces Pinot Noir, White Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay of refined elegance and deep site expression. The brand name is drawn from the Latin donna — “a lady” — woven together with founder Donna Kato’s own name, and its wines are available exclusively to members of the Adonna Allotment List. Wines are released twice yearly, in spring and fall, and are currently available in California only. For more information or to join the mailing list, visit https://www.adonnawines.com/. Follow on Instagram @adonnawines

MEDIA CONTACTS

Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET
kcharles@charlescomm.com

Sofia Spieler
sofia@charlescomm.com

Charles Communications Associates
www.charlescomm.com

NEWS SOURCE: Adonna Wines


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Adonna Wines), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/adonna-wines-makes-its-california-debut-this-spring-celebrating-heritage-resilience-and-the-art-of-the-moment/

Copr. © 2026 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P134049 NOREL-3B

 

Merriam Vineyards Celebrates Earth Day 2025 With Quarter-Century Legacy of Environmental Stewardship

Family's Multi-Generational Commitment to Land Conservation Highlighted During 25th Anniversary Year

HEALDSBURG, Calif., April 10, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — As the world marks the 55th annual Earth Day, Merriam Vineyards showcases its 25-year journey of sustainable winegrowing in the Russian River Valley AVA, where environmental stewardship has been woven into the fabric of their operation since inception. The winery’s anniversary year coincides with this global celebration of environmental action, highlighting how their conservation practices are deeply rooted in family traditions predating the vineyard’s establishment.

L to R: William Weese, Diana Merriam, Peter Merriam, Evan Merriam. Photo credit Alexander Rubin
Image caption: (L to R) William Weese, Diana Merriam, Peter Merriam, Evan Merriam. Photo credit Alexander Rubin.

“Our commitment to the land isn’t just a business decision—it’s a family philosophy spanning generations,” explains Peter Merriam, who, along with his wife Diana, founded the winery in 2000. “Growing up in Maine, I learned organic farming methods from my father, spent countless hours fly fishing in our watersheds, and developed a deep appreciation for nature. These early experiences shaped our approach to viticulture long before sustainability became an industry buzzword.”

This Earth Day, Merriam Vineyards celebrates significant environmental milestones achieved across its three distinct estate properties totaling 45 acres. The winery recently completed organic certification for its production facility through CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers), complementing the organic certification held by its Los Amigos Estate since 2012. Additionally, the Eastside Estate Vineyard earned Fish Friendly Farming certification in December 2024, recognizing the winery’s efforts to protect the Mark West Creek watershed and critical habitats for steelhead trout and coho salmon.

“Our environmental practices aren’t compartmentalized—they form a comprehensive ecosystem approach,” notes Estate Manager Evan Merriam, representing the next generation of family leadership. “From our Babydoll sheep providing natural vineyard management to our cattle grazing for fire protection, we’re implementing solutions that honor the interconnectedness of all life on our estate.”

Diana Merriam’s Greek heritage has further influenced the property’s Mediterranean-inspired design and ecological philosophy. “Mediterranean culture has always emphasized living in harmony with the natural world,” she explains. “Our landscape redesign, completed with Munden Fry Landscape Associates, creates outdoor spaces that connect visitors directly with our vineyards and natural surroundings, emphasizing the relationship between sustainable farming and exceptional wines.”

The winery’s Earth Day initiatives build upon a foundation of environmental practices that include:

  • Comprehensive watershed protection strategies at the Eastside Estate, particularly for the Mark West Creek tributary of the Russian River
  • Introduction of Babydoll sheep for natural vineyard management, reducing reliance on machinery and improving soil health
  • Cattle grazing for range management and fire protection on outlying hills
  • Progression toward no-till farming methods to minimize carbon emissions
  • Installation of hedgerows to prevent erosion along riparian corridors
  • Rigorous organic and sustainable certifications across all properties, including CCOF, CCSW (Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing), and Sonoma Sustainable designations
  • Using 100% of the wastewater at the winery as part of its water reclamation efforts

William Weese, Merriam’s winemaker, sees direct connections between these environmental practices and wine quality, influenced by his formative training under renowned Chilean organic pioneer Alvaro Espinoza. “Working with Alvaro in Chile shaped my understanding of how organic farming creates vineyard resilience and wine authenticity,” Weese notes. “Our minimal intervention approach in the vineyard translates to minimal intervention in the cellar. By nurturing healthy soils and ecosystems the way Alvaro taught, we’re able to produce wines that genuinely express the terroir of this special place, with vibrant natural acidity and balanced flavors that don’t require manipulation.”

“As we mark both Earth Day and our 25th anniversary, we’re looking forward to the next quarter-century of environmental stewardship,” Peter Merriam reflects. “The work we do today—enhancing soil health, protecting watersheds, reducing our carbon footprint—creates a legacy for future generations. That’s always been the heart of our mission at Merriam Vineyards.”

About Merriam Vineyards:

Established in 2000 in Sonoma, CA’s Russian River AVA by husband-and-wife Peter and Diana Merriam, Merriam Vineyards specializes in Bordeaux and Burgundy varieties and was born from the couple’s love of Old-World wines and extensive European travels. Recognizing the immense potential for producing distinctive single-vineyard wines in Sonoma, the Merriam’s acquired what would become known as the Windacre Vineyard in 2000, adding Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec plantings beyond its existing Merlot vines and establishing the quality of Bordeaux varieties in a region primarily known for cool-climate wines.

The couple expanded its estate into Burgundian varieties with the planting of its Los Amigos property in 2008 and in 2022, purchased the Eastside Estate, with a focus on cool-climate Pinot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The winery’s rigorous, decades-long commitment to sustainable viticulture and production resulted in the prestigious CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) certification for its Los Amigos estate (2012) and winery (2023), as well as CCSW (Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing) certification for its Eastside Estate and Windacre vineyard. Son Evan Merriam represents the Merriam’s next generation as estate manager.

Learn more: https://www.merriamvineyards.com/

For interviews, images, or more information, contact Kimberly Noelle Charles of Charles Communications Associates at kcharles@charlescomm.com or 415-701-9463.

NEWS SOURCE: Merriam Vineyards


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Merriam Vineyards), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/merriam-vineyards-celebrates-earth-day-2025-with-quarter-century-legacy-of-environmental-stewardship/

Copr. © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P125468 NOREL-3B

 

Merriam Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years of Winegrowing Excellence in Russian River Valley

Quarter-Century Milestone Marked by Special Releases and Enhanced Visitor Experience

HEALDSBURG, Calif., Feb. 3, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Merriam Vineyards, a pioneering force in Russian River Valley’s diverse winegrowing landscape, announces the commencement of its 25th anniversary celebration. Founded in 2000 by Peter and Diana Merriam, the winery has evolved from its initial 12-acre purchase into a distinguished estate encompassing three distinct vineyard properties, each expressing the unique terroir of the Russian River Valley AVA.

Merriam Vineyards - Photo credit Alexander Rubin
Image Caption: Team at Merriam Vineyards. Photo credit Alexander Rubin.

“When we acquired Windacre Vineyard in 2000, we envisioned creating wines that would honor both the Old-World traditions we loved, and the unique character of the Russian River Valley AVA” reflects Peter Merriam. “Twenty-five years later, that vision has been realized, encompassing not just exceptional wines but a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and an enhanced visitor experience. It has been a great way to walk the walk of appreciating fine wine, by owning and managing very special vineyards.”

The anniversary year will feature special commemorative releases, including a limited-edition sparkling Blanc de Noirs, alongside a series of celebratory events throughout 2025. These offerings will showcase the winery’s evolution from its origins as a Bordeaux-focused producer, uncommon at the founding, to its current diverse portfolio spanning both Bordeaux and Burgundian varieties.

The milestone coincides with significant achievements in sustainable practices across the estate. The winery recently completed its organic certification process through CCOF, building upon the organic certification of its Los Amigos estate property. The Windacre and Eastside properties maintain rigorous sustainable certifications through CCSW and Sonoma Sustainable programs, with Eastside Estate additionally achieving Fish Friendly Farming certification in 2024.

Merriam Vineyards - Photo credit Will Bucquoy
Image caption: Merriam Vineyards. Photo credit Will Bucquoy.

The anniversary celebration follows the 2023 transformation of the winery’s landscape, designed in partnership with Munden Fry Landscape Associates (MFLA). This reimagining created an array of outdoor tasting environments that bring visitors closer to the vineyards and highlight the estate’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Features include antique olive trees, garden rooms under shade trees, and a distinctive water wall feature that complements the natural surroundings. Co-proprietor Diana Merriam hails from Greek heritage, and the property’s design and aesthetic represent the elegant ease of the Mediterranean lifestyle.

Estate Manager Evan Merriam, representing the next generation of family leadership, emphasizes the forward-looking nature of the anniversary: “While we’re celebrating our past achievements, we’re equally focused on the future. Our recent initiatives in organic farming, watershed protection, and enhanced visitor experiences set the stage for our next quarter century.”

Co-proprietor Peter Merriam adds, “When Diana and I first visited Sonoma County decades ago, we knew that a dream could be realized. I was selling fine European wine to discerning clients in New England and having grown up farming organically with my father in Maine, I wanted to merge two passions, fine wine and organic farming, and we’ve achieved that at Merriam Vineyards. Now as we look forward to our next goals, we want to reflect on the achievements, my family and team have accomplished.”

The winery will announce specific anniversary events and releases throughout the year. For more information about Merriam Vineyards’ 25th anniversary celebration, visit www.merriamvineyards.com or follow on Instagram @merriamvineyards.

About Merriam Vineyards:

Established in 2000 in Sonoma, CA’s Russian River AVA by husband-and-wife Peter and Diana Merriam, Merriam Vineyards specializes in Bordeaux and Burgundy varieties and was born from the couple’s love of Old-World wines and extensive European travels. Recognizing the immense potential for producing distinctive single-vineyard wines in Sonoma, the Merriam’s acquired what would become known as the Windacre Vineyard in 2000, adding Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec plantings beyond its existing Merlot vines and establishing the quality of Bordeaux varieties in a region primarily known for cool-climate wines.

The couple expanded its estate into Burgundian varieties with the acquisition of its Los Amigos property in 2009 and in 2022, purchased the hillside Eastside Estate, with a focus on core col-climate Pinot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The winery’s rigorous, decades-long commitment to sustainable viticulture and production resulted in the prestigious CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) certification for its Los Amigos estate (2012) and winery (2023), as well as CCSW (Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing) certification for its Windacre property and Sonoma Sustainable for its Eastside Estate. Son Evan Merriam represents the Merriam’s next generation as estate manager.

For interviews, images, or more information, contact Kimberly Noelle Charles of Charles Communications Associates at kcharles@charlescomm.com or 415-701-9463.

MULTIMEDIA:

IMAGE Link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/25-0203-s2p-MerriamVineyards2024-300dpi.jpg

Caption: Team at Merriam Vineyards. Photo credit Alexander Rubin

NEWS SOURCE: Merriam Vineyards


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Merriam Vineyards), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/merriam-vineyards-celebrates-25-years-of-winegrowing-excellence-in-russian-river-valley/

Copr. © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P123767 NOREL-3B